The International Centre for Birds of Prey (ICBP) on the edge of the Forest of Dean is a fantastic place to visit but it is a bit off the beaten track. It is hidden away down a minor road near the little market town of Newent in north-west Gloucestershire.

The ICBP originally started life as ‘The Falconry Centre’ in 1967. Its aim was to educate people about the value of birds of prey in the world, and taught Falconry. It concentrated on British birds - falcons, hawks, eagles and owls.

Education, breeding and conservation are still the Centre’s primary motive but it has expanded its vision and varieties of birds of prey. The Centre has several innovative and fun ways of imparting knowledge.

Flying Displays

Visitors gain an insight into the lives and habits of these remarkable birds through Flying Displays throughout the day. Each display demonstrates the skills of different species. In between displays you can get a close up look at the birds in their aviaries.

Flying Times

The birds are flown every day and up to forty different birds can be flown daily in the summer months. Most of the demonstrations are outdoors in the Flying Ground. However, in poor weather flying takes place indoors with teams of birds that will happily manage inside.

If there is a special bird or species you want to see, telephone the Centre to see if and when it might be on flying demonstration work. Outdoors flying is best for photos, so call the Centre for up-to-the minute information on daily flying demonstrations and weather conditions.

February 1st - March: 11:30, 13:30*, 15:30*

April - October: 11:30, 14:00*, 16:15*

October - November 30th: 11:30, 13:30*, 15:30*

* Winter and summerflying times change with the clocks because during winter time it is too dark for the demonstration to start at 16:15. The day the clocks change, the flying times change.

The day to day running of the Centre including feeding and training the young birds to perform is all part of your visit. It is very exciting to see these fascinating birds gripping a piece of raw meat with their sharp talons, and tearing at it with their powerful beaks. Your ticket gives you all day access to the Centre and you can come in and out as often as you wish.

The Centre runs numerous other activities as well as welcoming daily visitors. Falconry Courses are run for people wanting to learn how to handle and fly the birds themselves. You can learn how to look after your own bird of prey at home, and take it hunting.

Winter Owl Evenings

During winter, when the Centre is closed to daily visitors, it runs the very popular Winter Owl Evenings.This is a unique event, suitable for adults and children over 8. Experience the owls when they are awake and alert, ready to hunt. Ticket price includes a pork roast and mulled wine. Vegetarian option and non-alcoholic beverages are available.

The price includes the food and drink, entry, guided tour and two flying demonstrations, one inside and one outside.

The organization has recently opened another centre at Duncombe Park in Helmsley, North Yorkshire. It is very expensive to run the ICBP and continue tits excellent work so donations and bequests are always welcome.

Accommodation - Search & Book through Booking.com here:

Contact & Further Information

+44 (0)1531 820 286 or

+44 (0)1531 821 581

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- By Car: Less than 5 miles (8 km) from the M50 at Junction 3 which is accessible via M5 motorway Use the main roads, either from Gloucester, Ross on Wye, or the Leominster road, don't go via Huntley if you come from Gloucester, turn off across the dual carriageway towards Higham.

If using a Sat Nav set it for the direct route from Newent. About 1.5 miles (2.4 km) out of Newent you will see a hanging sign on the left marking the entrance to the car park. The lanes are lovely but narrow. Drive carefully!